Chamber working on solutions to doctor shortage
The provincial government’s latest attempt to attract new family doctors to BC is a good start, but more innovations are needed to make a real difference.
Many regions in BC, including Greater Victoria, are experiencing a challenge finding and keeping general practitioners. The province has offered a $25,000 bonus to any new family medicine residents but, so far, none have taken the bait.
“We’ve met with recruiters who tell us there needs to be a change in the administrative burden that doctors are expected to take on,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “People become doctors to help others — not to deal with the extensive paperwork and burden of operating a highly regulated business. There are some truly innovative concepts being proposed that will help, but they need to be supported by government.”
The Chamber will continue to advocate for improvements to healthcare delivery, especially making sure families have access to doctors and appropriate care in Greater Victoria.
Many regions in BC, including Greater Victoria, are experiencing a challenge finding and keeping general practitioners. The province has offered a $25,000 bonus to any new family medicine residents but, so far, none have taken the bait.
“We’ve met with recruiters who tell us there needs to be a change in the administrative burden that doctors are expected to take on,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “People become doctors to help others — not to deal with the extensive paperwork and burden of operating a highly regulated business. There are some truly innovative concepts being proposed that will help, but they need to be supported by government.”
The Chamber will continue to advocate for improvements to healthcare delivery, especially making sure families have access to doctors and appropriate care in Greater Victoria.
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The Chamber team will work remotely during our office move in December. The best way to reach us is by email.